French for Beginners: Choosing Between Two Foods with 'Je prends' and 'Je préfère'
Learn to decide between two foods in French using 'Je prends le/la ___' and 'Je préfère le/la ___', with a practical café dialogue.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you're choosing between two dishes or drinks in French, you don't always need to say 'I would like'. A simple way to state your decision is 'Je prends…' (I'll have…) or 'Je préfère…' (I prefer…). This lesson teaches you how to use these two patterns with definite articles (le, la, l', les) to compare and pick between two specific items. You'll also learn how to ask someone which they prefer, so you can have a natural conversation about food choices.
By the end, you can…
- say which of two foods I'll have using 'Je prends le/la/l'/les ___.'
- say which of two foods I prefer using 'Je préfère le/la/l'/les ___.'
- ask someone which they prefer using 'Tu préfères lequel/laquelle ?'
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je prends le café.
I'll have the coffee.
zhuh prahn luh ka-FEH
Use 'le' for a masculine singular food or drink. 'Je prends' is common when ordering or deciding.
Je prends la soupe.
I'll have the soup.
zhuh prahn la soop
Use 'la' for a feminine singular food or drink. The article must match the noun's gender.
Je préfère le thé.
I prefer the tea.
zhuh pray-FEHR luh tay
Use 'Je préfère' to express a preference between two options. It's followed by the definite article.
Je préfère l'eau.
I prefer the water.
zhuh pray-FEHR loh
Use 'l'' before a vowel sound. 'Eau' is feminine, but the article becomes 'l''.
Tu préfères lequel ?
Which one do you prefer? (masculine)
tew pray-FEHR luh-KEL
Use 'lequel' when the choices are masculine. For feminine choices, use 'laquelle' (la-KEL).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To state your choice, use 'Je prends' or 'Je préfère' + definite article + noun. The article must agree with the noun's gender and number: le (masculine singular), la (feminine singular), l' (before a vowel sound), les (plural). Examples: Je prends le croissant. Je préfère la salade. Je prends l'omelette. Je préfère les frites. 'Je prends' is often used when ordering or making a decision; 'Je préfère' highlights a comparison between two or more items.
When to use it
Use these patterns when you are choosing between two specific foods or drinks that are already known in the conversation. For example, if someone asks 'Tu veux du café ou du thé ?' (Do you want coffee or tea?), you can answer 'Je prends le thé' or 'Je préfère le thé.' Do not use 'Je prends' for a general preference without a specific context; for that, use 'J'aime' (I like) or 'Je préfère' with a plural or uncountable noun. Also, avoid using 'Je prends' when you are not the one deciding (e.g., if someone else is ordering for you).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Tu veux du café ou du thé ?
Do you want coffee or tea?tew vuh dew ka-FEH oo dew tayJe préfère le thé, s'il te plaît.
I prefer tea, please.zhuh pray-FEHR luh tay, seel tuh plehEt pour manger, tu prends la quiche ou le sandwich ?
And to eat, will you have the quiche or the sandwich?ay poor mahn-ZHAY, tew prahn la keesh oo luh sahnd-WEECHJe prends le sandwich. Merci !
I'll have the sandwich. Thanks!zhuh prahn luh sahnd-WEECH. mehr-SEEA little context goes a long way
In France, 'Je prends' is very common in cafés and restaurants when ordering. In more formal settings, such as a business lunch, you might hear 'Je vais prendre' (I'm going to have) or 'Je prendrai' (I will have). In Quebec, 'Je prends' is also used, but you may hear 'Je vais prendre' more often. When expressing a preference, 'Je préfère' is neutral and polite. Avoid using 'Je veux' (I want) when ordering, as it can sound abrupt; use 'Je voudrais' (I would like) for a softer request.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Je prends' with an indefinite article, like 'Je prends un café' when choosing between two specific options.
Try this instead: When the choice is between two specific items already mentioned, use the definite article: 'Je prends le café' (I'll have the coffee). 'Je prends un café' means 'I'll have a coffee' in a general sense, not a choice between two known options.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'I'll have the soup' in French? (soupe is feminine)
Show a sample answer
Je prends la soupe.
'Soupe' is feminine, so use 'la'. 'Je prends' is correct for stating your choice.
2Which phrase means 'I prefer the tea'?
Show a sample answer
Je préfère le thé.
'Thé' is masculine, so use 'le'. 'Je préfère' expresses a preference.
3Ask a friend 'Which one do you prefer?' when the choices are feminine (e.g., la quiche, la salade).
Show a sample answer
Tu préfères laquelle ?
Use 'laquelle' for feminine singular choices. For masculine, use 'lequel'.
Use 'Je prends le/la/l'/les ___' to state your choice and 'Je préfère le/la/l'/les ___' to express a preference. Always match the article to the noun's gender and number.
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